Barrel racing event on Saturday kicks off SFC Fair Week

The first barrel racing event to kick off the annual St. Francis County Fair is scheduled for Saturday, beginning at noon at the Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds. Event organizer Sherry Rhea said if everything goes good with no rain, she expects to have a lot of racers in attendance. "This is our first event," said Rhea. "We wanted to do something to jumpstart the fair. Me, being new to the board, my husband and I, they asked if we could do that, knowing my background in barrel racing. I hope that it doesn't rain, but there is rain in the forecast. If everything goes good, we should be having a lot of people come in Saturday." Rhea explained that pre registration began Monday and will continue until the event on Saturday. She said four people had already signed up before registration opened Monday. "I had already had four people text me ahead of that starting so I went ahead and wrote them down. I really won't have an idea for a few days because people can register all week. They can also register the day of the event. We do take pre entries. People who run multiple horses need to be spaced out so they can give the horses time to saddle, warm up and cool down after their run. Many times, people will pre-enter so they can get those spaces." According to Rhea, the reason a lot of locals do not race in the annual rodeo is due to having to be a member of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association. "I am expecting a lot of local turnout," said Rhea. "I know people from Jonesboro, Cabot, Vilonia, Rosebud and different places have expressed an interest in coming. We don't see a lot of locals at the rodeo each year because you have to have a card. You have to have a membership and be a part of the WPRA to compete at the rodeo and that is almost $500. We don't require a membership to compete in this event. You just enter and run. We will get a big local following." Rhea said that $250 has been added into the peewee and youth divisions of the event while $1,000 had been added to the pot for the open division. "There is money to be won," said Rhea. "For the peewee class, which is eight and under, we have added $250 to the pot. The kids are paying a $25 entry fee and 80% of that goes into the pot, while 20% of that goes into the fair. So 80% of their entry fee goes into the pot along with that $250. They will divide that up through four divisions. The fastest time sets the pace. In the peewee, a full second off of that is the second division, a full second off of that is the third division and a full second off of that is the fourth division. We will pay money in each division. Festivities will kick off early in the equestrian campground where participants can begin turning in pledge money and “ride for the children of St. Jude” during horseback rides. Participants are reminded to have current coggins papers ready. During the same time, from 8 to 10 a.m., guests can enjoy fresh made pies and coffee provided by Three Trees Cowboy Church, which will be available for a donation. Events will continue throughout the day with a free hot dog lunch offered between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., to anyone who donates money or auction items. Children and other guests can take part in hand led horseback rides during that time for $2 per ticket. Later in the afternoon, the excitement builds with a community auction at 4 p.m., where attendees are encouraged to bring items to donate. The day will conclude with a barbecue dinner at 6 p.m., featuring barbecue with potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans and a drink for $10 per plate. According to King, all proceeds from food sales, horseback rides, auction items and donations will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ensuring the hospital can continue to provide life saving care to children and families at no cost to them. “Join us for a great day of riding, food, music and fun while helping the children of St. Jude have a brighter future,” said King.

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